Article by
Barbados Today

Published on
May 14, 2016

PORT OF SPAIN –– Public Services Association (PSA) president Watson Duke spent the night in police custody after being detained in relation to a rape allegation made by an attorney working with his organisation.

Accompanied by his lawyer, John Heath, Duke had surrendered to detectives of the Port-of-Spain Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at the Central Police Station, St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain, around 2 p.m. Thursday.

Watson Duke

Bombarded by a group of media personnel at the entrance to the station, a seemingly unfazed Duke promised to comment on the accusation upon his exit.

However, after several hours, Heath came out of the station without his client, who, sources said, was detained for interrogation.

The T&T Guardian understands that investigators had visited the PSA’s headquarters on Abercromby Street to arrest Duke Thursday morning but left empty handed as security informed them Duke was at a meeting at his attorney’s office. Duke later surrendered at the station.

According to police reports, the victim, a 33-year-old attorney from Central Trinidad, claimed the incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon after Duke invited her to accompany him to a meeting at the Hyatt Regency, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain.

Duke and the victim went to a room at the hotel, where she claimed he overpowered her and had sex with her against her will. After the incident, the victim allegedly returned with Duke to the union’s office and then went home. Hours later she reported the incident to the Cunupia Police Station.

Speaking with the T&T Guardian on Wednesday, Duke denied any wrongdoing and claimed he was being framed by the victim.

“My lawyers have advised me to say nothing more on the allegations but I am willing to tell you that I am certain that she has no evidence that could back up the allegations,” he said.

Police sources said Thursday investigators were attempting to complete their investigation by today in order to consult the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to determine what charges, if any, should be laid against Duke.

ASP Ajith Persad of the Port-of-Spain CID is leading the investigation.